By: Eric B. & Rakim Average Rating: Binding: Audio CD Format: Original recording remastered Label: Island Number of Discs: 1 Release Date: April 26, 2005
Worth Every Penny The duo that consists of DJ Eric B. and MC Rakim isn't referred to as a classic for no reason. This CD is one of the biggest influences for the majority of hip-hop, and it shows. The beats are vintage late 80's style. Call it a bit dated, but it blends perfectly on this CD. Rakim's rhymes are pure genius, with his word play and his perfect flow to blend in with the production. The instrumentals play an important part for Eric B., and while you don't hear Rakim's smooth rhymes, it's still really nice.
Believe the hype, this is a classic with groundbreaking beats for its time, perfect flow, and a perfect balance to top it all off.
An incredible album. Been on a bit of a hip hop kick lately.
No, not hip POP. Hip hop. Real hip hop.
I decided to break this one out and give it a spin and (surprise, surprise) it still holds up. The beats groove and the rapping is perfect, but you already knew that. This album has a "feel" to it that most of today's joke rappers couldn't even begin to comprehend where to start to mimic a scant 0.1% of it's magic. This is rap during a time when it actually meant something; the late 80's version of punk rock. Public Enemy, KRS, Tribe Called Quest, De La Soul, EPMD, Brand Nubian, etc. When it was about letting your voice be heard and not about how much more copies your piece of crap album sold than the competition's piece of crap or how many confused girls will appear in your glossy video.
Paid In Full is REAL. Regarding the realness, you're not a real hip hop fan unless you own it. Support artists and leave the phonies by the wayside where they belong.
A must for hip hop fans You can't call yourself a fan of hip hop and not have this in your collection. Rakim is the purest lyricist in the game period. "Move the Crowd" and "Paid in Full" show Rakim at his best. Eric B. showcases the skills of talented DJ.
This album should have done much better than it did on the charts the year it came out but just about every album that came out in 1986 was overshadowed by the Beastie Boys "Licensed to Ill".
The beats from paid and full live on in hundreds of samples from several genres. As I said before if you don't have this in your collection you are a fan of rap and no nothing about real hip hop.
G.O.A.T. Eating words ain't my thing, but I had a *discussion* with a friend of mine who knows waaaay more about hip-hop than I, about what is the best pound for pound hip-hop joint. Me being older, figured - hey I was a teen when these joints came out so I know from experience. But I was wrong. She said this was the joint and I argued valiantly that another (group will go unnamed) was better. We agreed to disagree, but I pulled this out and listened to it. I found myself turning the volume up louder ad louder and damn if my bed didn't start shaking *Exorcist* style at one point. Did I turn it down - F8ck No! - I nearly blew my speaker that night. My ears are still ringing like a Vietnam vet's. This, I must admit, is the best of all time. I just wish more artists would set their sights on attaining this clarity of vision.
More than just a "classic" Paid in full is more than a classic. It was a masterpiece that is among the greatest records ever made in rap history. I'd say it was the perfect blend of catchy beats and rhymes that flowed like water. My favorite song of all time is My Melody especially when Rakim dropped "I'll take 7 mc's....." (u know the rest). I Ain't No Joke, Move The Crowd, I Know You Got Soul, and Paid in Full were also hot. This is one you gotta have in the collection cause it was one for the ages.
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Trevor
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